Why is my AC running but not cooling?
An AC that runs without cooling is most often a dirty filter choking airflow, a failed capacitor, or low refrigerant from a leak. The filter you can fix in two minutes; a frozen coil means shut it off and let it thaw before a tech comes, or the real problem can't be diagnosed.
Likely causes
- Clogged filter — Starved airflow freezes the coil and kills cooling — check this first, always.
- Failed capacitor — The outdoor fan or compressor won't start properly; a common, relatively cheap repair.
- Refrigerant leak — Ice on the refrigerant lines plus weak cooling. Refilling without fixing the leak buys weeks, not years.
- Dirty outdoor condenser — Cottonwood, grass, and debris insulate the coil so heat can't escape.
What you can check yourself
- Replace the filter. If the indoor coil is iced, turn the system off (fan on) for 3–4 hours to thaw.
- Clear debris from around the outdoor unit — 2 feet of clearance on all sides.
- Check that the thermostat is on 'cool' and below room temperature (it happens more than anyone admits).
Typical cost
Typical repairs in New York, NY: capacitor $150–$350; refrigerant leak repair + refill $450–$1,200; fan motor $300–$600.
When to call a pro
Ice keeps returning, the breaker trips, or it blows warm after a filter change and thaw — those need a tech, and running it meanwhile can kill the compressor.
HVAC pros in New York, NY
- Ptac Inc · 38 Park Row, New York, NY · 16316415210
- Best Cool Air New York · 72 Nassau St 2nd Floor, New York, NY · 7182851414
- Lacor Mechanical Systems · 114 Fulton St Rm 2e, New York, NY · +12122335607
- PTAC Air Conditioning Services · 42 Fulton St, New York, NY · +12129207080
- Aled Technologies · 233 Water St, New York, NY · 19178638286
- Jameson and Sons Cooling Air Experts · 26 Broadway, New York, NY · +16466049204
- Up Heating Cooling & PTAC Services · 376 E 77th St, New York, NY · +15168546003
- Cool Air Inc Manhattan - HVAC Contractor | PTAC Services | AC Repair and Cleaning · 509 E 78th St #1b, New York, NY · +17187212131
Get free quotes from New York, NY pros →
Data by Servik — verified local pros from official license records and public sources. Cost figures are typical ranges, not quotes; a pro's written estimate is the real number.